Methods and use of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a method of inducing apoptosis in a cancer cell by delivery of exogenous Coenzyme Q10 or its metabolites thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to effectuate cell contact of endogenous Coenzyme Q10 or its metabolites thereof in addition to but not limited to mevalonic acid and oleic acid to form an intracellular complex. The present disclosure also provides a method of modulating the p53 pathway and Bcl-2 protein family in a manner that restores the apoptotic potential to a cancer cell by delivery of Coenzyme Q10 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present disclosure further provides a method to specifically normalize the ratio of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 gene family in a proportion to re-program a cancer cell to undergo apoptosis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/044,085, filed Apr. 11, 2008, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is integral to the sustenance of lifeas the constant renewal of tissue provides the physiologic scaffold forregenerative metabolism. Apoptosis facilitates the homeostatic balanceof cellular renewal allowing for overall tissue health, so that theintegrity of proliferative, immunomodulatory, and angiogenic componentsof tissue metabolism are maintained. A dysregulation in any one of, or acombination of, the aforementioned processes may result in a lack ofapoptotic control. Such lack of apoptotic control, optionally incombination with genetic mutations, may result in a favorable oncogenicenvironment.

Under healthy conditions, the genome's “watchman,” p53, recognizes whena cell's integrity is compromised and commits it to apoptosis viaemployment of the Bcl-2 protein family in the mitochondria leading tonuclear fragmentation. See, e.g., Selivanova, et al., “Reactivation ofmutant p53: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential,” Oncogene(2007) 26, 2243-2254.

Moreover, the balance of the “pro” and “anti” apoptotic members of theBcl-2 protein family may determine the overall apoptotic potential for acell. In over 60% of all cancers, p53 is mutated or inactivated and theBcl-2 protein is overexpressed, leading to a resistance to cell deathand chemotherapeutic approaches.

It has been shown that cancer patients have an overall decreased serumlevel of CoQ10 which may lead to sign and symptoms of malaise, weakness,and lethargy, especially when using chemotherapeutic modalities. See,e.g., Okamoto, et al. “Serum levels of coenzyme Q10 and lipids inpatients during total parenteral nutrition,” J Nutr Sci Vitaminol(Tokyo), (1986) February; 32(1):1-12. Studies from the University ofMiami using an athymic mouse model have demonstrated that a liposomalformulation of CoQ10 reduced human melanoma tumors by 53.2% in 30 dayswhile an overall attenuation of tumor angiogenesis was observed. See,e.g., Persaud, et al., “Attenuation of tumor angiogenesis in murinemelanoma model using liposomal formulation of Coenzyme Q10,” Proceedingsof the American Association for Cancer Research, (2006); 47:A977. Inaddition, it was subsequently shown that the effect of CoQ10 wasmediated by a downregulation of the Bcl-2 protein. See, e.g., Narain, etal., “Coenzyme Q10: A novel Bcl-2 drug target for the treatment ofmelanoma,” Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research,(2006); 47:A791.

Drugs have been developed to target the Bcl-2 protein family either bydirect antibody inhibition or by the use of specific constructs thatinterfere with binding, which may lead to dimerization oroligomerization, in an effort to restore the balance of the pro- andanti-apoptotic proteins. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,514,761 and6,040,181. However, this does not fundamentally alter the upstreamlevels of the major apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 protein family, suchas Bcl-2, Bax, and Bid, following a re-activation of p53 which enablesthe given cell to undergo apoptosis.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a method of delivering CoQ10 or itsmetabolites into a cell and forming a complex with endogenous CoQ10 andmembrane lipids that induces the activation of p53 and initiation ofBcl-2 mediated apoptosis in a cancer cell by modulation of the Bcl-2subfamily members.

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition includingCoQ10 and phospholipid liposomes that binds to endogenous lipids thatmaintain membrane integrity such as oleic acid in addition to mevalonicacid and quinones. The present disclosure is also directed to methods ofactivating p53 and modulating the expression of the Bcl-2 protein familyin a manner that commits a given cell to undergo apoptosis where thatcell is an oncogenic cell.

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides a composition for thetreatment of cancer including CoQ10, liposomes, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the composition includesbetween about 0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

In other embodiments, the composition may be in the form of a gel,ointment, cream, salve, lotion, mousse, foam, spray and/or aerosol,liquid (intravenous), nebulized powder, suppository, or any othercommercially feasible parenteral route.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method oftreating cancer which includes administering to a patient in needthereof, a composition including a therapeutically effective amount ofCoQ10, liposomes, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the areaof oncogenesis. In embodiments, the composition includes between about0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

In other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method ofcontacting endogenous CoQ10 by administering to a patient in needthereof, a composition including a therapeutically effective amount ofCoQ10, liposomes and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the areaof oncogenesis. The composition may include between about 0.001% toabout 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

The present disclosure also provides a method of targeting the Bcl-2family of proteins which includes administering to a patient in needthereof a composition including a therapeutically effective amount ofCoQ10, liposomes, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the areaof oncogenesis. In embodiments, the composition includes between about0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

The present disclosure also provides a method of re-activating the p53protein which includes administering to a patient in need thereof acomposition including a therapeutically effective amount of CoQ10,liposomes, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the area ofoncogenesis. In embodiments, the composition includes between about0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

The present disclosure also provides a method of modulating the BH3binding domains of the Bcl-2 family (e.g. Bid, Bim, Bik) administeringto a patient in need thereof, a composition including a therapeuticallyeffective amount of CoQ10, liposomes and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier to the area of oncogenesis. In embodiments, the compositionincludes between about 0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

Methods of modulating the Bax protein are also provided which include,in embodiments, administering to a patient in need thereof a compositionincluding a therapeutically effective amount of CoQ10, liposomes and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the area of oncogenesis. Inembodiments, the composition includes between about 0.001% to about 60%(w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

The present disclosure also provides a method of modulating angiogenicfactors such as VEGF, FGF, Hif-1α, and angiostatin by administering to apatient in need thereof a composition including a therapeuticallyeffective amount of CoQ10, liposomes and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier to the area of oncogenesis. In embodiments, the compositionincludes between about 0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

In another embodiment, a method of modulating cell-cycle factors such assmad proteins, TGF-β, cdk's (cyclin-dependent kinases), and PI3K/aktadministering to a patient in need thereof, a composition including atherapeutically effective amount of CoQ10, liposomes and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier to the area of oncogenesis. Inembodiments, the composition includes between about 0.001% to about 60%(w/w) of Coenzyme Q10.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of this disclosure may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of the metabolic synthesis of CoQ10;

FIG. 2 is a summary of the interactions of Bax, P53, and Bcl-2 in theinduction of apoptosis;

FIG. 3 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells and neonatal fibroblastsafter treatment with 50 μM CoQ10;

FIG. 4 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μM and100 μM CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 5 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells treated in the presenceand absence of CoQ10 using 24 hr Take Away (TA) method. In TAexperiments melanoma cells were treated with CoQ10 for 6, 12, and 24hours. After incubation the medium was replaced with normal culturemedium for 24 hours. Bcl-2 expression was measured to assess thecommitment to apoptosis;

FIG. 6 shows Bax expression in melanoma cells after 12 and 24 hoursincubation with CoQ10 (50 μM and 100 μM);

FIG. 7 shows Bax expression in melanoma cells treated in the presenceand absence of CoQ10 using 24 hr Take Away (TA) method. In TAexperiments melanoma cells were treated with CoQ10 for 6, 12, and 24hours. After incubation the medium was replaced with normal culturemedium for 24 hours. Bax expression was measured to assess thecommitment to apoptosis;

FIG. 8 shows Bid expression in melanoma cells after 12 hours incubationwith CoQ10;

FIG. 9 shows the histopathology analysis of human melanoma tumorsinduced in nude athymic mice. The treatment group received a topicalapplication of CoQ10 for 30 days. Analysis of the tumor pathologyindicates a disruption in tumor vasculature;

FIGS. 10 a-10 d show Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells incubated withCoQ10 and/or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) for 24 hours;

FIG. 11 shows p53 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μM and100 μM CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 12 is a graph depicting p53 expression in melanoma cells incubatedwith 50 μM and 100 μM CoQ10 for 12 hours;

FIG. 13 shows Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10for 6 hours;

FIG. 14 shows Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10for 12 hours;

FIG. 15 is a graph quantifying Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cellstreated for 12 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 16 shows Caspase-3 expression in melanoma cells treated for 12hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 17 is a graph quantifying Caspase-3 expression in melanoma cellstreated for 12 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 18 shows Mcl-1 expression in melanoma cells treated with CoenzymeQ10 for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours;

FIG. 19 a is a graph quantifying Mcl-1 expression in melanoma cellsincubated with CoQ10 for 12 hours; FIG. 19 b is a graph quantifyingMcl-1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 20 is a graph quantifying BAX expression in PC-3 (prostate cancer)cells incubated for 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 21 is a graph quantifying Bcl-2 expression in PC-3 cells incubatedfor 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 22 is a graph showing the time point comparison of Bcl-2 expressionin PC-3 cells treated with CoQ10 for 4 and 24 hours;

FIG. 23 is a graph quantifying Bcl-2 expression in SkBr-3 (breastcancer) cells incubated for 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 24 is a graph quantifying Bax expression in SkBr-3 cells incubatedfor 8 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 25 shows Bax expression in SkBr3 cells incubated with CoQ10 for 8hours;

FIG. 26 is a graph comparing Bcl-2 and Bax expression after 24 hourstreatment with CoQ10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions includingCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and methods of linking to endogenous lipidmolecules to modulate molecular machinery that relates to an oncogenicstate. The scope of the present disclosure relates to the fields ofmolecular medicine and oncology specific to gene modulation of the p53pathway and Bcl-2 gene family.

DEFINITIONS

In accordance with the present disclosure and as used herein, thefollowing terms are defined with the following meanings, unlessexplicitly stated otherwise.

As used herein, “a”, “an,” and “the” include plural references unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, a “pharmaceutically acceptable” component is one that issuitable for use with humans and/or animals without undue adverse sideeffects (such as toxicity, irritation, and allergic response)commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

As used herein, the term “safe and therapeutic effective amount” refersto the quantity of a component which is sufficient to yield a desiredtherapeutic response without undue adverse side effects (such astoxicity, irritation, or allergic response) commensurate with areasonable benefit/risk ratio when used in the manner of thisdisclosure. By “therapeutically effective amount” is meant an amount ofa compound of the present disclosure effective to yield the desiredtherapeutic response. For example, accelerate wound healing, relief ofpain and fatigue. The specific safe and effective amount ortherapeutically effective amount will vary with such factors as theparticular condition being treated, the physical condition of thepatient, the type of mammal or animal being treated, the duration of thetreatment, the nature of concurrent therapy (if any), and the specificformulations employed and the structure of the compounds or itsderivatives.

As used herein, a “pharmaceutical salt” include, but are not limited to,mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkalior organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids. Suitablesalts may be made using an organic or inorganic acid. Such salts includechlorides, bromides, sulfates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfonates,formates, tartrates, maleates, malates, citrates, benzoates,salicylates, ascorbates, and the like. In embodiments, hydrochloridesalt may be utilized.

“Diagnostic” or “diagnosed” means identifying the presence or nature ofa pathologic condition. Diagnostic methods differ in their sensitivityand specificity. The “sensitivity” of a diagnostic assay is thepercentage of diseased individuals who test positive (percent of “truepositives”). Diseased individuals not detected by the assay are “falsenegatives.” Subjects who are not diseased and who test negative in theassay, are termed “true negatives.” The “specificity” of a diagnosticassay is 1 minus the false positive rate, where the “false positive”rate is defined as the proportion of those without the disease who testpositive. While a particular diagnostic method may not provide adefinitive diagnosis of a condition, it suffices if the method providesa positive indication that aids in diagnosis.

The terms “patient” or “individual” are used interchangeably herein, andrefers to a mammalian subject to be treated, with human patients beingsuitable in some embodiments. In some cases, the methods of the presentdisclosure find use in experimental animals, in veterinary application,and in the development of animal models for disease, including, but notlimited to, rodents including mice, rats, and hamsters; and primates.

“Sample” is used herein in its broadest sense. A sample includingpolynucleotides, polypeptides, peptides, antibodies and the like mayinclude a bodily fluid; a soluble fraction of a cell preparation, ormedia in which cells were grown; a chromosome, an organelle, or membraneisolated or extracted from a cell; genomic DNA, RNA, or cDNA,polypeptides, or peptides in solution or bound to a substrate; a cell; atissue; a tissue print; a fingerprint, skin or hair; and the like.

“Treatment” is an intervention performed with the intention ofpreventing the development or altering the pathology or symptoms of adisorder. Accordingly, “treatment” refers to both therapeutic treatmentand prophylactic or preventative measures. Those in need of treatmentinclude those already with the disorder as well as those in which thedisorder is to be prevented. As used herein, “ameliorated” or“treatment” refers to a symptom which is approaches a normalized value(for example a value obtained in a healthy patient or individual), e.g.,is less than 50% different from a normalized value, in embodiments lessthan about 25% different from a normalized value, in other embodimentsis less than 10% different from a normalized value, and in yet otherembodiments the presence of a symptom is not significantly differentfrom a normalized value as determined using routine statistical tests.

As used herein, “an ameliorated symptom” or “treated symptom” refers toa symptom which is approaches a normalized value, e.g., is less than 50%different from a normalized value, in embodiments less than about 25%different from a normalized value, in other embodiments less than about10% different from a normalized value, and yet other embodiments thepresence of a symptom is not significantly different from a normalizedvalue as determined using routine statistical tests.

Subjects

Subjects from many different species can be treated with thecompositions of the present disclosure. A non-exhaustive exemplary listof such animals includes mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, goats,sheep, pigs, horses, cattle, dogs, cats, and primates such as monkeys,apes, and human beings. Those animal subjects known to suffer musclefatigue, pain, wounds, and the like may be suitable for use in thepresent disclosure. In particular, human patients suffering frominjuries, surgery, arthritis, muscle fatigue and the like are suitableanimal subjects for use in the present disclosure. By adapting themethods taught herein to other methods known in medicine or veterinaryscience (e.g., adjusting doses of administered substances according tothe weight of the subject animal), the compositions utilized in thepresent disclosure can be readily optimized for use in other animals.

Pharmaceutical Compositions and Administration to a Subject

In embodiments, the present disclosure provides CoQ10 compositions forthe treatment and prevention of cancer. Transdermal, oral intravenous,and other parenteral preparations of2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone (coenzyme Q-10) mayinclude, inter alia, auxiliary agents, an effective amount of pulmonarysurfactant, and/or in combination with liposomes.

In embodiments, the compositions including CoQ10 may be administeredtopically. It may be desirable to present the active ingredient, e.g.CoQ10, as a pharmaceutical formulation. Exemplary compositions aredescribed in detail in the examples which follow. The active ingredientmay include, for topical administration, from 0.001% to about 60% w/w,by weight of the formulation in the final product, although it mayinclude as much as 80% w/w, in embodiments from about 0.001% to about60% w/w of the formulation. The topical formulations of the presentdisclosure, include an active ingredient together with one or moreacceptable carrier(s) thereof and optionally any other therapeuticingredients(s). The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense ofbeing compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and notdeleterious to the recipient thereof.

In some embodiments, the CoQ10 may be included in a composition such asthe composition disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/052,825, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein.

The composition of the present disclosure can be administered to apatient either by themselves, or in pharmaceutical compositions where itis mixed with suitable carriers or excipient(s). In treating a patientexhibiting a disorder of interest, a therapeutically effective amount ofan agent or agents such as these is administered. A therapeuticallyeffective dose refers to that amount of the compound that results inamelioration of symptoms or a prolongation of survival in a patient.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined bystandard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimentalanimals, e.g., for determining the LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to 50% of thepopulation) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% ofthe population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects isthe therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD₅₀/ED₅₀.Compounds which exhibit large therapeutic indices may be desirable. Thedata obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies can beused in formulating a range of dosage for use in human. The dosage ofsuch compounds may be within a range of circulating concentrations thatinclude the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary withinthis range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route ofadministration utilized.

For any compound used in the method of the present disclosure, thetherapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cellculture assays. For example, a dose can be formulated in animal modelsto achieve a circulating plasma concentration range that includes theIC₅₀ as determined in cell culture. Such information can be used to moreaccurately determine useful doses in humans. Levels in plasma may bemeasured, for example, by HPLC.

The exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosenby the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (Seee.g. Fingl et al., in The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 1975,Ch. 1 p. 1). It should be noted that the attending physician would knowhow to and when to terminate, interrupt, or adjust administration due totoxicity, or to organ dysfunctions. Conversely, the attending physicianwould also know to adjust treatment to higher levels if the clinicalresponse were not adequate (precluding toxicity). The magnitude of anadministrated dose in the management of the oncogenic disorder ofinterest will vary with the severity of the condition to be treated andto the route of administration. The severity of the condition may, forexample, be evaluated, in part, by standard prognostic evaluationmethods. Further, the dose and perhaps dose frequency, will also varyaccording to the age, body weight, and response of the individualpatient. A program comparable to that discussed above for humans may beused in veterinary medicine.

The compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to a patientby treatment modalities that are tailored to the patient, such as thetype of injury, severity of the injury, location of the injury. Forexample, the percentage of the active composition can be modulatedduring the course of treatment again depending on severity, type ofinjury etc. CoQ10 the active ingredient, may include, from 0.001% toabout 60% w/w, by weight of the formulation in the final product,although it may include as much as 80% w/w, in embodiments from about0.001% to about 60% w/w of the formulation.

The compositions can be applied to a patient at least once a day. Inother embodiments the pharmaceutical compositions can be applied, twicea day, three times a day or more. The times and compositions containingthe active ingredients can easily be determined by a clinician.

Depending on the specific conditions being treated, such agents may beformulated and administered systemically or locally. Techniques forformulation and administration may be found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 18^(th) ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.(1990). Suitable routes may include oral, rectal, transdermal, vaginal,transmucosal, or intestinal administration; parenteral delivery,including intramuscular, subcutaneous, intramedullary injections, aswell as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intravenous,intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections, just to name afew.

The compositions described above may be administered to a subject in anysuitable formulation. In addition to treatment of cancer with topicalformulations of CoQ10, in other aspects of the present disclosure CoQ10might be delivered by other methods. For example, CoQ10 might beformulated for parenteral delivery, e.g., for subcutaneous, intravenous,intramuscular, or intratumoral injection. Other methods of delivery, forexample, liposomal delivery or diffusion from a device impregnated withthe composition might be used. The compositions may be administered in asingle bolus, multiple injections, or by continuous infusion (forexample, intravenously or by peritoneal dialysis). For parenteraladministration, the compositions may be formulated in a sterilizedpyrogen-free form. Compositions of the present disclosure can also beadministered in vitro to a cell (for example, to Bcl-2 production in acell or in an in vitro culture) by simply adding the composition to thefluid in which the cell is contained.

Depending on the specific conditions being treated, such agents may beformulated and administered systemically or locally. Techniques forformulation and administration may be found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 18^(th) ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa.(1990). Suitable routes may include oral, rectal, transdermal, vaginal,transmucosal, or intestinal administration; parenteral delivery,including intramuscular, subcutaneous, intramedullary injections, aswell as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intravenous,intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections, just to name afew.

For injection, the agents of the present disclosure may be formulated inaqueous solutions, for example, in physiologically compatible bufferssuch as Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological salinebuffer. For such transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriate tothe barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrantsare generally known in the art.

Use of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to formulate the compoundsherein disclosed for the practice of the present disclosure into dosagessuitable for systemic administration is within the scope of the presentdisclosure. With proper choice of carrier and suitable manufacturingpractice, the compositions of the present disclosure, in particular,those formulated as solutions, may be administered parenterally, such asby intravenous injection. The compounds can be formulated readily usingpharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art into dosagessuitable for oral administration. Such carriers enable the compounds ofthe present disclosure to be formulated as tablets, pills, capsules,liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oralingestion by a patient to be treated.

Agents intended to be administered intracellularly may be administeredusing techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, such agents may be encapsulated into liposomes, thenadministered as described above. Liposomes are spherical lipid bilayerswith aqueous interiors. All molecules present in an aqueous solution atthe time of liposome formation are incorporated into the aqueousinterior. The liposomal contents are both protected from the externalmicroenvironment and, because liposomes fuse with cell membranes, areefficiently delivered into the cell cytoplasm. Additionally, due totheir hydrophobicity, small organic molecules may be directlyadministered intracellularly.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the present disclosureinclude compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in aneffective amount to achieve its intended purpose. Determination of theeffective amounts is well within the capability of those skilled in theart, especially in light of the detailed disclosure provided herein. Inaddition to the active ingredients, these pharmaceutical compositionsmay contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers includingexcipients and auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the activecompounds into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically. Thepreparations formulated for oral administration may be in the form oftablets, dragees, capsules, or solutions. The pharmaceuticalcompositions of the present disclosure may be manufactured in a mannerthat is itself known, e.g., by means of conventional mixing, dissolving,granulating, dragee-making, levitating, emulsifying, encapsulating,entrapping or lyophilizing processes.

Formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid orsemi-liquid preparations suitable for penetration through the skin tothe site of where treatment is required, such as liniments, lotions,creams, ointments or pastes, and drops suitable for administration tothe eye, ear, or nose. Drops according to the present disclosure mayinclude sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions and may beprepared by dissolving the active ingredient in a suitable aqueoussolution of a bactericidal and/or fungicidal agent and/or any othersuitable preservative, and in some embodiments including a surfaceactive agent. The resulting solution may then be clarified andsterilized by filtration and transferred to the container by an aseptictechnique. Examples of bactericidal and fungicidal agents suitable forinclusion in the drops are phenylmercuric nitrate or acetate (0.002%),benzalkonium chloride (0.01%) and chlorhexidine acetate (0.01%).Suitable solvents for the preparation of an oily solution includeglycerol, diluted alcohol and propylene glycol.

Lotions according to the present disclosure include those suitable forapplication to the skin or eye. An eye lotion may include a sterileaqueous solution optionally containing a bactericide and may be preparedby methods similar to those for the preparation of drops. Lotions orliniments for application to the skin may also include an agent tohasten drying and to cool the skin, such as an alcohol or acetone,and/or a moisturizer such as glycerol or an oil such as castor oil orarachis oil.

Creams, ointments or pastes according to the present disclosure aresemi-solid formulations of the active ingredient for externalapplication. They may be made by mixing the active ingredient infinely-divided or powdered form, alone or in solution or suspension inan aqueous or non-aqueous fluid, with the aid of suitable machinery,with a greasy or non-greasy basis. The basis may include hydrocarbonssuch as hard, soft or liquid paraffin, glycerol, beeswax, a metallicsoap; a mucilage; an oil of natural origin such as almond, corn,arachis, castor or olive oil; wool fat or its derivatives, or a fattyacid such as stearic or oleic acid together with an alcohol such aspropylene glycol or macrogels. The formulation may incorporate anysuitable surface active agent such as an anionic, cationic or non-ionicsurface active such as sorbitan esters or polyoxyethylene derivativesthereof. Suspending agents such as natural gums, cellulose derivativesor inorganic materials such as silicaceous silicas, and otheringredients such as lanolin, may also be included.

Pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration includeaqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form.Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared asappropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents orvehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acidesters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueousinjection suspensions may contain substances which increase theviscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also containsuitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of thecompounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.

Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained by combiningthe active compounds with solid excipient, optionally grinding aresulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after addingsuitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores.Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars,including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulosepreparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, ricestarch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose,hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxy-methylcellulose, and/orpolyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may beadded, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginicacid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

Dragee cores are provided with suitable coating. For this purpose,concentrated sugar solutions may be used, which may optionally containgum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethyleneglycol, and/or titanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organicsolvents or solvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to thetablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterizedifferent combinations of active compound doses.

Pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include push-fitcapsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made ofgelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fitcapsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with fillersuch as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such astalc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In softcapsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitableliquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethyleneglycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added.

The composition can include a buffer system, if desired. Buffer systemsare chosen to maintain or buffer the pH of compositions within a desiredrange. The term “buffer system” or “buffer” as used herein refers to asolute agent or agents which, when in a water solution, stabilize suchsolution against a major change in pH (or hydrogen ion concentration oractivity) when acids or bases are added thereto. Solute agent or agentswhich are thus responsible for a resistance or change in pH from astarting buffered pH value in the range indicated above are well known.While there are countless suitable buffers, potassium phosphatemonohydrate may be a suitable buffer.

The final pH value of the pharmaceutical composition may vary within thephysiological compatible range. The final pH value should not beirritating to human skin and may also be selected so that transdermaltransport of the active compound, e.g. CoQ10, may be facilitated.Without violating this constraint, the pH may be selected to improveCoQ10 compound stability and to adjust consistency when required. In oneembodiment, the pH value may be from about 3 to about 7.4, inembodiments from about 3.2 to about 6.5, in other embodiments from about3.5 to about 6.

In some embodiments, the remaining component of a topical deliveryvehicle may be water, in embodiments purified, e.g. deionized, water.Such delivery vehicle compositions may contain water in an amount offrom about 50 to about 95 percent, based on the total weight of thecomposition. The specific amount of water present is not critical,however, being adjustable to obtain the desired viscosity (usually about50 cps to about 10,000 cps) and/or concentration of the othercomponents. The topical delivery vehicle may have a viscosity of atleast about 30 centipoises.

Other known transdermal skin penetration enhancers can also be used tofacilitate delivery of CoQ10. Illustrative are sulfoxides such asdimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and the like; cyclic amides such as1-dodecylazacycloheptane-2-one (AZONE®, a registered trademark of NelsonResearch, Inc.) and the like; amides such as N,N-dimethyl acetamide(DMA) N,N-diethyl toluamide, N,N-dimethyl formamide, N,N-dimethyloctamide, N,N-dimethyl decamide, and the like; pyrrolidone derivativessuch as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone,2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone orfatty acid esters thereof, 1-lauryl-4-methoxycarbonyl-2-pyrrolidone,N-tallow alkylpyrrolidones, and the like; polyols such as propyleneglycol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,glycerol, hexanetriol, and the like; linear and branched fatty acidssuch as oleic, linoleic, lauric, valeric, heptanoic, caproic, myristic,isovaleric, neopentanoic, trimethyl hexanoic, isostearic, and the like;alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, octanol, oleyl, stearyl,linoleyl, and the like; anionic surfactants such as sodium laurate,sodium lauryl sulfate, and the like; cationic surfactants such asbenzalkonium chloride, dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride,cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, and the like; non-ionic surfactants suchas the propoxylated polyoxyethylene ethers, e.g., Poloxamer 231,Poloxamer 182, Poloxamer 184, and the like, the ethoxylated fatty acids,e.g., Tween 20, Myrj 45, and the like, the sorbitan derivatives, e.g.,Tween 40, Tween 60, Tween 80, Span 60, and the like, the ethoxylatedalcohols, e.g., polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether (Brij 30),polyoxyethylene (2) oleyl ether (Brij 93), and the like, lecithin andlecithin derivatives, and the like; the terpenes such as D-limonene,α-pinene, β-carene, α-terpineol, carvol, carvone, menthone, limoneneoxide, α-pinene oxide, eucalyptus oil, and the like.

Also suitable as skin penetration enhancers are organic acids and esterssuch as salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, citric acid, succinic acid,and the like.

Effective Amounts

The compositions described above may be administered to a subject in aneffective amount. An effective amount is an amount which is capable ofproducing a desirable result in a treated animal or cell. As is wellknown in the medical and veterinary arts, dosage for any one animaldepends on many factors, including the particular animal's size, bodysurface area, age, the particular composition to be administered, timeand route of administration, general health, and other drugs beingadministered concurrently. It is expected that an appropriate dosage fortopical administration of the compositions of the present disclosurewould be from about 0.1 to about 2.5 mg CoQ10/kg of body weight (e.g.,from about 10 to about 500 mg for subjects ranging from about 110 toabout 300 lbs. An effective amount for use with a cell in culture willalso vary, but can be readily determined empirically (for example, byadding varying concentrations to the cell and selecting theconcentration that best produces the desired result). It is expectedthat an appropriate concentration would be from about 1 to about 250 μM.

EXAMPLES

Materials utilized for the experiments to generate the data accompanyingthe present disclosure included the following: Skmel-28 (HTB-72), PC-3(CRL-1435), and SkBr3 (HBT-30) were purchased from ATCC. The cell lineswere grown in DMEM/F12 medium (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium:NutrientMixture F-12, commercially available from Invitrogen Corporation) andsupplemented with 5% bovine calf serum. The Bcl-2 (Cat #:2872), Bax(Cat#:2774), Bid (Cat#:2002), p53 (Cat#:9282), Bcl-xl (Cat#:2762),Caspase-3 (Cat#:9662), Mcl-1 (Cat#:4572), Bax (Cat#:2772), Anti-rabbitIgG (Cat#:7074), and Anti-Mouse IgG (Cat#:7076) antibodies werepurchased from Cell Signaling Technology (Boston, Mass.). Reagents andchemicals were purchased from Sigma Aldrich (St Louis, Mo.). Westernblot gels and buffers were purchased from Bio-Rad (Hercules, Calif.).

Example 1

Protein Expression Protocol. (Generated the Data Found in FIGS. 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 10 a-10 d, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19 a, and 25.)

Skmel-28, PC-3, and SkBr3 cells were grown to 80% confluency andsubcultured in petri dishes. After 24 hours, the cells adhered to theplates and the medium was extracted. Treatment medium was added to eachplate. Following the intended incubation time, the medium was removedand the cells were washed with cold phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Thecells were scraped in cold PBS and collected in centrifuge tubes. Cellswere then pelleted and washed with cold PBS (3 times). The PBS wasremoved, after which a lysis buffer was added and sonicated to dispersethe protein structures. A sample buffer was added to each tube and thesolutions were boiled for 5 minutes. Using a BCA (bicinchoninic acid)protein analysis kit, the concentration of protein was quantified foreach sample. These values determined the loading volumes for eachsamples.

The samples were loaded in a 4% stacking and 12% running Tris-Hcl gelwestern blot gels. After separation, the bands of protein weretransferred to nitrocellulose paper using electrophoresis. Thenitrocellulose paper was blocked overnight with 5% milk solutions. Therespective antibodies were added to each nitrocellulose paper containingthe protein samples. After 24 hours the primary antibody was removed andthe extraction paper was washed to remove any unbounded primaryantibodies. Depending on the type of the primary antibody, an anti-mouseor anti-rabbit secondary antibody was added to the protein extracts.After incubation, the antibodies were removed and the nitrocellulosepapers were washed. A Pico Chemo-luminescent was added and thenitrocellulose paper was exposed to X-Ray development film under darkroom conditions. The film was developed to record the proteinexpression.

Graphical Analysis for the Western Blot Analysis (Generated the DataFound in FIGS. 12, 15, 17, 19 a, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26.)

The procedure for protein expression was used to obtain a photographicimage of the protein expression. These imaged were scanned into imagefiles for computer analysis. Using ImageJ software developed by the U.S.National Institutes of Health (NIH), the levels of protein expressionwere quantified. The expression was then calculated based on the levelof expression of the actin, which was the loading control for thesamples. The numerical values were statistically analyzed forstatistical significance.

Histological Samples

Skmel-28 cells were grown in 5% serum-supplemented DMEM/F12 medium to80% confluency. The cells were trypsinized and pelleted using acentrifuge. The pellets were then resuspended in cold PBS. The subjectsfor this study were nude athymic mice. Each subject received twoinjections of the cell suspension on the dorsal region of the mouse.After a visual assessment of the establishment of a tumor, treatmentwith a topical application would commence. After 30 days of treatment,the tumors were excised from the mice and placed in formalin. Each tumorsample was embedded in paraffin and sliced using a microtome. The slidesunderwent an H & E or S-100 stain. These samples were then analyzed by apathologist to assess the vascular integrity of the tumor.

The Figures provide details regarding the synthesis of CoQ10, and theinteractions of endogenous proteins in a cancer state, including theirexpression in cancer states. The Figures also depict the data obtainedfrom the above experiments, and demonstrate the effects theadministration of a compound such as CoQ10, in varying concentrationsand for varying periods of time, had on various types of cancer cells.Briefly, in summary, the Figures include the following:

FIG. 1 is a depiction of the metabolic synthesis of CoQ10;

FIG. 2 is a summary of the interactions of Bax, P53, and Bcl-2 in theinduction of apoptosis;

FIG. 3 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells and neonatal fibroblastsafter treatment with 50 μM CoQ10;

FIG. 4 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μM and100 μM CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 5 shows Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells treated in the presenceand absence of CoQ10 using a 24 hour Take Away (TA) method. In TAexperiments, melanoma cells were treated with CoQ10 for 6, 12, and 24hours. After incubation the medium was replaced with normal culturemedium for 24 hours. Bcl-2 expression was measured to assess thecommitment to apoptosis;

FIG. 6 shows Bax expression in melanoma cells after 12 and 24 hoursincubation with CoQ10 (50 μM and 100 μM);

FIG. 7 shows Bax expression in melanoma cells treated in the presenceand absence of CoQ10 using 24 hr Take Away (TA) method. In TAexperiments melanoma cells were treated with CoQ10 for 6, 12, and 24hours. After incubation the medium was replaced with normal culturemedium for 24 hours. Bax expression was measured to assess thecommitment to apoptosis;

FIG. 8 shows Bid expression in melanoma cells after 12 hours incubationwith CoQ10;

FIG. 9 shows the histopathology analysis of human melanoma tumorsinduced in nude athymic mice. The treatment group received a topicalapplication of CoQ10 for 30 days. Analysis of the tumor pathologyindicates a disruption in tumor vasculature;

FIGS. 10 a-10 d show Bcl-2 expression in melanoma cells incubated withCoQ10 and/or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) for 24 hours;

FIG. 11 shows p53 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μM and100 μM CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 12 is a graph depicting p53 expression in melanoma cells incubatedwith 50 μM and 100 μM CoQ10 for 12 hours;

FIG. 13 shows Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10for 6 hours;

FIG. 14 shows Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10for 12 hours;

FIG. 15 is a graph quantifying Bcl-xl expression in melanoma cellstreated for 12 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 16 shows Caspase-3 expression in melanoma cells treated for 12hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 17 is a graph quantifying Caspase-3 expression in melanoma cellstreated for 12 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 18 shows Mcl-1 expression in melanoma cells treated with CoenzymeQ10 for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours;

FIG. 19 a is a graph quantifying Mcl-1 expression in melanoma cellsincubated with CoQ10 for 12 hours; FIG. 19 b is a graph quantifyingMcl-1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with CoQ10 for 24 hours;

FIG. 20 is a graph quantifying BAX expression in PC-3 (prostate cancer)cells incubated for 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 21 is a graph quantifying Bcl-2 expression in PC-3 cells incubatedfor 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 22 is a graph showing the time point comparison of Bcl-2 expressionin PC-3 cells treated with CoQ10 for 4 and 24 hours;

FIG. 23 is a graph quantifying Bcl-2 expression in SkBr-3 (breastcancer) cells incubated for 4 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 24 is a graph quantifying Bax expression in SkBr-3 cells incubatedfor 8 hours with CoQ10;

FIG. 25 shows Bax expression in SkBr3 cells incubated with CoQ10 for 8hours;

FIG. 26 is a graph comparing Bcl-2 and Bax expression after 24 hourstreatment with CoQ10.

Conditions/Disorders/Uses

As noted above, compositions of the present disclosure may be utilizedfor the treatment of cancer. Such compositions may include CoQ10 or itsmetabolites in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Such a compositionmay effectuate cell contact of endogenous Coenzyme Q10 or itsmetabolites thereof in addition to, but not limited to, mevalonic acidand oleic acid to form an intracellular complex. In embodiments, such acomposition may include from about 0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of CoenzymeQ10. Such compositions may be topical compositions which, in turn, maybe gels, ointments, liquids, creams, salves, lotions, sprays, aerosols,mousses, foams, combinations thereof, and the like.

As also noted above, compositions of the present disclosure may be in aliquid form, capable of introduction into a subject by any means orroute of administration within the purview of those skilled in the art.For example, compositions may be administered by routes ofadministration including, but not limited to, the lungs, intravenous,oral, transdermal, rectal, subcutaneous, transmucosal, buccal,sublingual, intratumoral, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to nebulize or aerosolize thecompositions for administration.

Methods for treating disease states with the compositions herein arealso provided. Such methods may include treating cancer. Where utilizedto treat cancer, the compositions may be in a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier that may be administered in a therapeuticallyeffective amount to an area of oncogenesis as either a monotherapy, incombination with at least one other chemotherapeutic agent for a givenindication, in combination with radiotherapy, following surgicalintervention to radically remove a tumor, in combination with otheralternative and/or complementary acceptable treatments for cancer, andthe like.

In embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a method claim forre-activating a mutated/inactivated p53 protein by administering to anarea of oncogenesis in a patient a composition of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure also provides methods for modulating proteinsimplicated in oncogenesis by administering to an area of oncogenesis ina patient a composition of the present disclosure. Such proteins whichmay be modulated by compositions of the present disclosure include, butare not limited to: Bcl-2 protein; Bax protein; Bid protein; Bimprotein; Bad protein; Bak protein; mcl-1 protein; Bcl-xl protein; Bcl-xsprotein; Bcl-w protein; Bik protein; Bok protein; BimL protein; A1protein; Hrk protein; Bik protein; BNIP3 protein; Blk protein; Noxaprotein; Puma protein; VEGF protein; FGF-1/FGF-2 protein; Hif-α protein;angiostatin protein; TGF-β protein; smad proteins; cdk (cyclin-dependentkinases); the PI3K/akt complex.

In other embodiments, compositions of the present disclosure may beutilized to regulate and/or restore a healthy apoptosis state in cancercells. Mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of apoptosis areimplicated in many diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.Respiratory chain (RC) dysfunction may have a role in apoptosis, asdemonstrated using mitochondrial DNA mutations as genetic models.Although some mutations eliminate the entire RC, others target specificcomplexes, resulting in either decreased or complete loss of electronflux, which leads to impaired respiration and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) synthesis. Despite these similarities, significant differences inresponses to apoptotic stimuli emerge. Cells lacking RC are protectedagainst both mitochondrial- and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)stress-induced apoptosis. Cells with RC, but unable to generate electronflux, are protected against mitochondrial apoptosis, although they haveincreased sensitivity to ER stress. Finally, cells with a partialreduction in electron flux have increased apoptosis under bothconditions. RC modulates apoptosis in a context-dependent mannerindependent of ATP production and that apoptotic responses are theresult of the interplay between mitochondrial functional state andenvironmental cues.

The execution of apoptosis and communication between oncogenic factorsmay also be mediated by released factors such as cytochrome C, Endo G,or AIF through mitochondrial membrane pores which open upon membranedepolarization.

Cancer cells also generate excessive lactate in the presence of oxygen(aerobic glycolysis). It now appears that this phenomenon is the productof two factors: a return to the more glycolytic metabolism of the embryoand alterations in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to increasemitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Alterations inthe Ras-PI3K-Akt signal transduction pathway can result in induction ofhexokinase II and its attachment to mitochondrial porin redirectingmitochondrial ATP to phosphorylate glucose and drive glycolysis.Furthermore, partial inhibition of OXPHOS by mitochondrial genemutations (germ-line or somatic) can reduce electron flux through theelectron transport chain, increasing mitochondrial ROS production. Theincreased ROS mutagenizes nuclear proto-oncogenes (initiation) anddrives nuclear replication (promotion), resulting in cancer. Therefore,hexokinase II and mitochondrial ROS may be useful alternate targets forcancer therapeutics.

Metabolic flux as it relates to cancer is compromised in an oncogenicstate and shifts towards a glycolytic state. A cancer cell's survival isvitally dependent on glucose metabolism and low oxygen levels. Moreperplexing is that mitochondrial activity is significantly attenuated tothe point of dormancy. Oxidative phosphorylation usually associated withComplex I-IV that accepts electrons from the Citric Acid Cycle (TCA) isessentially shut down. There is a marked increase in the amount of freeradicals and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Hence, the cancer cell isin state of:

1) Decreased oxygen (Hypoxia)

2) Increase free-radical formation

3) Dysregulated apoptosis (cell death)

4) Dependence of glucose metabolism

5) Increased blood vessel formation

6) Altered immune recognition (auto-regulatory state commences)

In embodiments, the effect CoQ10 may have on cancer cells may depend, inpart, on the various states of metabolic and oxidative flux exhibited bythe cancer cells. CoQ10 may be utilized to interrupt and/or interferewith the conversion of an oncogenic cell's dependency of glycolysis andincreased lactate utility. As it relates to a cancer state, thisinterference with the glycolytic and oxidative flux of the tumormicroenvironment may influence apoptosis and angiogenesis in a mannerwhich reduces the development of a cancer cell.

In embodiments, the interaction of Coenzyme Q10 with glycolytic andoxidative flux factors may enhance the ability of Coenzyme Q10 to exertits restorative apoptotic effect in cancer while establishing viabledrug targets for drug discovery and development.

While the above disclosure has focused on Coenzyme Q10 and itsmetabolites, other compounds related to CoQ10 which may be administeredinstead of, or in combination with, CoQ10 include, but are not limitedto, benzoquinones, isoprenoids, farnesols, farnesyl acetate, farnesylpyrophosphate, l-phenylalanine, d-phenylalanine, dl-phenylalanine,l-tyrosine, d-tyrosine, dl-tyrosine, 4-hydroxy-phenylpyruvate,4-hydroxy-phenyllactate, 4-hydroxy-cinnamate, dipeptides and tripeptidesof tyrosine or phenylalanine, 3,4-dihydroxymandelate,3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelate, vanillicacid, phenylacetate, pyridoxine, S-adenosyl methionine, panthenol,mevalonic acid, isopentyl pyrophosphate, phenylbutyrate,4-hydroxy-benzoate, decaprenyl pyrophosphate, beta-hydroxybutyrate,3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutarate, acetylcarnitine, acetoacetylcarnitine,acetylglycine, acetoacetylglycine, carnitine, acetic acid, pyruvic acid,3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcarnitine, all isomeric forms of serine,alanine, cysteine, glycine, threonine, hydroxyproline, lysine,isoleucine, and leucine, even carbon number C4 to C18 fatty acids(butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, andstearic acids) salts of carnitine and glycine, e.g., palmitoylcarnitineand palmitoylglycine, and 4-hydroxy-benzoate polyprenyltransferase, anysalts of these compounds, as well as any combinations thereof, and thelike.

The figures are offered by way of illustration, not by way oflimitation. While specific examples have been provided, the abovedescription is illustrative and not restrictive. Any one or more of thefeatures of the previously described embodiments can be combined in anymanner with one or more features of any other embodiments in the presentdisclosure. Furthermore, many variations of the present disclosure willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of thespecification.

Other References

All publications and patent documents cited in this application areincorporated by reference in pertinent part for all purposes to the sameextent as if each individual publication or patent document were soindividually denoted. By their citation of various references in thisdocument, Applicants do not admit any particular reference is “priorart” to their disclosure.

It is to be understood that while the present disclosure has beendescribed in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, theforegoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scopeof the present disclosure, which is defined by the scope of the appendedclaims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within thescope of the following claims and their equivalents.

1. A method comprising: administering to a cell a composition comprisinga liposome comprising a phospholipid and a bioactive agent comprisingcoenzyme Q10 or its metabolites; and allowing the coenzyme Q 10 or itsmetabolites to form a complex with endogenous coenzyme Q10 and membranelipids, wherein the formation of the complex induces the cell to undergoapoptosis.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the membrane lipidscomprise endogenous lipids selected from the group consisting of oleicacid, mevalonic acid and quinones.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thecomposition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, andwherein the coenzyme Q10 is present in an amount of from about 0.001% toabout 60% (w/w) of the composition.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereinthe composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of gels,ointments, creams, salves, lotions, mousses, foams, sprays, aerosols,liquids, nebulized powders, and suppositories.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the formation of the complex induces modulation of a cellprotein selected from the group consisting of p53, Bcl-2, Bcl-2subfamily members, and Bak.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein modulationof the cell protein comprises re-activation of the p53 protein.
 7. Themethod of claim 5, wherein modulation of the cell protein comprisesmodulating at least one BH3 binding domain of the Bcl-2 family.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the at least one BH3 binding domain of theBcl-2 family is selected from the group consisting of Bid, Bim, Bik, andcombinations thereof.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the cell is anoncogenic cell.
 10. A method for treating cancer comprising:administering to an oncogenic cell a composition comprising a liposomecomprising a phospholipid and a bioactive agent comprising coenzyme Q10or its metabolites; and allowing the coenzyme Q 10 or its metabolites toform a complex with endogenous coenzyme Q10 and membrane lipids, whereinthe formation of the complex modulates angiogenic factors of theoncogenic cell.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the membrane lipidscomprise endogenous lipids selected from the group consisting of oleicacid, mevalonic acid and quinones.
 12. The method of claim 10, whereinthe composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,and wherein the coenzyme Q10 is present in an amount of from about0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of the composition.
 13. The method of claim10, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the groupconsisting of gels, ointments, creams, salves, lotions, mousses, foams,sprays, aerosols, liquids, nebulized powders, and suppositories.
 14. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the formation of the complex modulatesangiogenic factors selected from the group consisting of VEGF, FGF,Hif-1α, and angiostatin.
 15. A method for treating cancer comprising:administering to an oncogenic cell a composition comprising a liposomecomprising a phospholipid and a bioactive agent comprising coenzyme Q10or its metabolites; and allowing the coenzyme Q 10 or its metabolites toform a complex with endogenous coenzyme Q10 and membrane lipids, whereinthe formation of the complex modulates cell-cycle factors of theoncogenic cell.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the membrane lipidscomprise endogenous lipids selected from the group consisting of oleicacid, mevalonic acid and quinones.
 17. The method of claim 15, whereinthe composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,and wherein the coenzyme Q10 is present in an amount of from about0.001% to about 60% (w/w) of the composition.
 18. The method of claim15, wherein the composition is in a form selected from the groupconsisting of gels, ointments, creams, salves, lotions, mousses, foams,sprays, aerosols, liquids, nebulized powders, and suppositories.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the formation of the complex modulatescell-cycle factors selected from the group consisting of smad proteins,TGF-β, cyclin-dependent kinases, and PI3K/akt.